Homologous series Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is a homologous series?
It is a family of molecules with same general formula and similar chemical properties (they react in similar ways)
What can you use the general formula for?
To work out molecular formula.
Why do molecules in a homologous series have similar chemical proporties?
Because they have the same functional group (which is the reactive part of a molecule)
What can be seen in physical properties of a homologous series, and show an example?
Patterns. (e.g. the bigger a molecular is, the higher the melting and boiling points)
Why does the MP and BP increase as a molecule’s size increase?
The strength of intermolecular forces that hold molecules together are stronger.
Why do Intermolecular Forces break easier in smaller molecules?
Because if something breaks a force - forces still remain elsewhere, therefore you have less to break.
What is an isomer?
Two molecules are isomers if they have the same molecular formula but different structural formula (arranged differently)
Do isomers have different physical properties?
Yes as they are structured differently.
What makes an isomer?
Isomers can have different carbon chain arrangements or their functional group elsewhere.
How else can the atoms in an isomer be arranged, and what is a result of that?
The atoms can also be arranged into different functional groups, putting them in a different homologous series.
What are the first 4 names for numbers of carbons in a chain?
Meth, eth, prop, but
